Ajuy OTOP Hub opens to boost local MSMEs

AJUY, Iloilo — The Department of Trade and Industry Iloilo and the Ajuy municipal government opened a One Town, One Product Hub on Sept. 10 to expand market opportunities for local micro, small, and medium enterprises and strengthen the town’s economy.

The launch coincided with the opening of the Ajuy Business Park, a new commercial center envisioned to encourage entrepreneurship, attract investments, and create a vibrant marketplace for locally made products.

Following the inauguration, DTI Iloilo and the Municipality of Ajuy formalized their partnership through the signing of a memorandum of agreement.

The agreement was signed by DTI Iloilo officer in charge-provincial director Ma. Dorita D. Chavez and Ajuy Mayor Loida J. Espinosa, reflecting both institutions’ commitment to promoting local industries and expanding market access for entrepreneurs.

The OTOP Hub showcases Ajuy products, including tabagak, gourmet tuyo, cooked salt, crab paste, cacao tablea, dark chocolate bark, cassava cake, buko pie, banana chips, purple rice, and other locally made food products.

The facility gives local producers a permanent venue to display and market their products while encouraging residents and visitors to support homegrown enterprises.

The hub is part of DTI Iloilo’s efforts to improve the competitiveness of local MSMEs by providing accessible marketing platforms and promoting products that reflect the identity and craftsmanship of their communities.

The OTOP Philippines program was institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11960 in 2023 as a national strategy to promote inclusive local economic growth by supporting MSMEs and locally developed products and services.

The program provides assistance in areas such as product development, packaging, capacity building, market access, and financing to help local enterprises become more competitive.

Through the OTOP program, DTI Iloilo continues to support local entrepreneurs, strengthen community-based enterprises, and promote sustainable and inclusive economic development across the province.